The most popular of the shorthaired breeds in Great Britain is the British Blue, a well-proportioned cat, its head, tail, and legs conforming in size and sturdiness to its rather sturdy body. The eyes of cats bred for show are deep orange or coppery and the coat is uniformly blue-gray. In addition to their popularity for shows the British Blues are liked simply as pets. They are loyal, affectionate, and mild-mannered.

The Chartreux, of France, is very similar but usually a bit stockier, the head somewhat rounder, and the jaws more powerful. In many the coat tends toward being woolly.

In American shows these cats are classed as Exotic Shorthairs, a category for all shorthaired complements of the longhaired or Persian breeds.